Kitchen Partners Protest BGN Circular Halting Free Nutritious Meals During School Holidays
The National Nutrition Agency’s (BGN) policy to temporarily halt the free nutritious meals (MBG) project during school holidays has drawn protests from implementing partners. The Indonesian Nutritious Meal Entrepreneurs Association (GAPEMBI) believes the decision could disrupt MBG kitchen operations and the food supply chain that has supported the programme.
GAPEMBI Chairman Alven Stony stated his organisation rejects BGN Circular Number 12 of 2026, issued on 17 June 2026. According to him, the policy contradicts the technical guidelines established through BGN Head Decree Number 401.1 dated 29 December 2025, as well as the cooperation agreements signed between BGN and its partners.
For managers of Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG), suspending the programme during school holidays means more than just halting food distribution. Alven said the policy also threatens the livelihoods of volunteers involved in kitchen operations. “Volunteers cannot work and will not receive honorariums during the holidays,” he stated on Thursday, 18 June 2026.
He added that food suppliers will also feel the impact. Agricultural and livestock products previously absorbed for MBG risk piling up due to reduced demand. Alven also questioned the cessation of operational incentives for partners during the break, likening the policy to the government unilaterally stopping rent payments without the owner’s consent. “The government requests a dispensation or circular to not pay rent during the holidays. But BGN never sought our approval,” he said.
The rejection of the circular is one of eight demands submitted by GAPEMBI. Nonetheless, the organisation reaffirmed its support for the MBG project, a flagship programme of President Prabowo Subianto’s administration. While expressing readiness to manage MBG kitchens to high service standards, GAPEMBI claims commitment to budget efficiency. They are asking the government to review the temporary suspension policy by considering its impact on implementing partners, volunteers, micro, small, and medium enterprises, and other parties within the programme’s ecosystem.
Several MBG entrepreneurs believe the policy could disrupt the business sustainability built to support the nutrition programme. The BGN previously issued Circular Number 12 of 2026 concerning Operational Adjustments for SPPG during Holidays in MBG Implementation. Under the new circular, SPPGs will no longer receive a daily incentive of Rp 6 million. The holidays referred to include school holidays (even/odd semesters), national holidays, religious holidays, optional local government holidays, as well as Saturdays and Sundays.
BGN Deputy Head and spokesperson Agustina Arumsari said the circular was issued to optimise operational governance and resource efficiency. “It coincides with the school holidays. Formally, the Ministry of Education has set the school holiday period from 22 June to 13 July 2026,” Arum said.